Andy Flower bans England on Ashes talks

Sydney, May 22 (ANI): England coach Andy Flower has prohibited England's cricketers from public discussions about the Ashes until next month.

The players will face disciplinary actions if they speak in interviews or write on Twitter about the two-test series against Australia, Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Sources said that Flower wants the players to focus on New Zealand series and the ICC Champions Trophy instead of getting involved in the media talks regarding the Ashes.

According to the report, Flower's ban on the players began when England were on tour in New Zealand and he threatened to reprimand them if they disobey his order.

The report said that Flower feared that the players are in danger of being distracted by more glamorous assignments before the New Zealand series or will make embarrassing statements about Australia ahead of the Ashes, the biggest sporting event in the calendar.

Flower and his employees have set strict targets for the team as they yearn to win four major trophies, the 2015 Ashes in England, the 2015 50-over World Cup in Australia, 2017 World Test Championship in England and 2017's Women's World Cup, the report added. (ANI)